‘Our heritage is our source of pride’
ZIMBABWE values the protection and promotion of its rich and diverse cultural heritage, which is a source of identity, pride and inspiration for its people, a Cabinet minister has said.
Speaking at the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference being held here, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira said Zimbabwe was proud to have five sites listed on the World Heritage List.
They are Great Zimbabwe, Khami, Matobo Hills, Victoria Falls and Mana Pools.
“We are committed to safeguarding these properties and to enhancing their management and conservation.
“We are also committed to preserving and transmitting our intangible cultural heritage.
“We thank UNESCO for its technical and financial assistance in this regard and we look forward to strengthening our cooperation.
“As we gather at this forum, we continue to seek partnerships that will help our country meet its national objectives that are of global benefit,” said the minister, who is leading the Zimbabwean delegation at the meeting.
He said Zimbabwe was a proud and active member of UNESCO and “we appreciate the efforts of UNESCO in supporting our national development priorities and addressing the global challenges we face, such as poverty, inequality, climate change and the pandemics.”
Prof Murwira said Zimbabwe reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063.
“We believe that UNESCO has a vital role to play in advancing these agendas, especially in the areas of quality education, scientific innovation, culture and freedom of expression,” he said.
Education, said Minister Murwira, plays a critical role in solving some of the problems facing the world. “We are well aware of the important role education plays in solving the problems faced by the world today.
“Our continent looks up to its properly educated people to bring solutions that satisfy the needs of our people.”
Minister Murwira said Zimbabwe has transformed its education system to embrace the heritage-based Education 5.0 model, which seeks to produce graduates with competence in knowledge, skills and correct attitudes for the industrialisation and modernisation of the country.
“We believe our education and our heritage are the basis of our prosperity,” he said.
“The country has embraced science, technology and innovation as the main driver of industrialisation and modernisation of our country,” he added.
“We are beginning to see the results of this transformation with an upsurge of innovations in our learning institutions for the industrialisation and modernisation of the country. “Products coming out of our higher and tertiary education institutions are no longer just paper certificates, but now include patented products, trademarks, start-ups and industries that produce goods and services that are needed by our people.”